How Are Phragmites Impacting Shorebirds?
Marlen Vazquez Garcia, who is working on answering shorebird and phragmites questions. Photo courtesy Garcia.
If you’ve followed work related to Great Salt Lake, you may have heard of the invasive plant Phragmites australis and its negative impact on shorebirds. But what exactly is this impact? That’s what scientists are working to find out!
We’re excited to highlight a member of our amazing community, Marlen Vazquez Garcia, who is working to answer this question. Garcia is studying Environmental Studies at Antioch University. As part of her Master’s work, she has recently started working with data generated from the Intermountain West Migratory Shorebird Survey on how shorebirds are being impacted by phragmites.
Learn more in our interview below.
Photo: Sierra Hastings
Can you tell us about the project?
This project looking at how shorebirds are being impacted by phragmites vegetation in Great Salt Lake wetlands. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we’re using data on shorebird use and phragmites at two of Utah’s Waterfowl Management Areas (WMAs). Ultimately, we will pair phragmites vegetation with shorebird use data to create a heat map. This will help us understand the relationship between shorebird density and phragmites density, which isn’t well quantified.
The project study area. Image courtesy Garcia.
We also hope to map the kinds of activities that wetland managers have been using to fight phragmites and restore wetlands. We’d imagine that restored wetlands will see a return of birds and this data helps us answer those questions.
How does this connect to the shorebird surveys?
Phragmites create dense walls along Utah’s waterways.
Killdeer foraging amongst phragmite shoots near Great Salt Lake.
Shorebirds like open spaces and shallow water. Phragmites, unfortunately, are long, grassy plants—sort of like cornstalks—and they outcompete native wetland plants in these areas. Dense thickets of phragmites have taken over tens of thousands of acres in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Because Great Salt Lake is an important energy pitstop for their migration, this may affect their ability to find places to forage and complete their journey south.
Sageland’s Janice Gardner standing in front of a thick stand of phragmites. Photo courtesy of Gardner.
Why is this work important?
In a nutshell, it’s very important for shorebirds to have good habitat to make sure they are able to rest and feed during their migrations. It’s also important to demonstrate how management plans and actions are working to keep Great Salt Lake wetlands healthy.
On a larger scale, the wetlands and the Lake that comprise the Great Salt Lake ecosystem are all connected, and there are many delicate balances. For example, water levels and phragmites are connected, insect and bird health are connected, and bird health and habitat type are connected.
What drew you to the project?
In general, I’ve always wanted to do research, hoping to eventually work for a nonprofit in this capacity. As much data as we have about the environment, there are so many gaps that need research. I believe in using research as a form of advocacy.
Because I love their focus on taking a scientific approach to environmental studies, I was interested in Sageland Collaborative and really wanted to work with them on a project. Environmental decisions need to be based on actual data, and I love that Sageland focuses on that.
Phragmites along the Audubon Society Lee Creek Area. Photo: Sierra Hastings
When did you first fall in love with nature, and why is conservation important to you?
My interest originally came from watching PBS and children’s shows related to nature! But I’ve always been interested in the combination of conservation and psychology. Conservation has to do with everyone, not either animals or people. It affects everybody. There is no single species that could survive on its own. I am constantly thinking about these issues.
Do you have a favorite species of wildlife?
Oh, I love the black-footed ferret. I have three ferrets and learned about their wild cousins after adopting mine. I also love prairie dogs!
What would you say to people thinking of volunteering with shorebirds or Great Salt Lake?
Volunteers do so much for Sageland and other nonprofits. Try it, and you’ll probably have a great time! Any help volunteers can give is amazing.
It’s through the collective efforts of researchers, community scientists, and biologists that allow land managers and decision makers to best protect and restore the habitats that shorebirds and other wildlife depend on.
No matter your skillset, you can get involved and make a difference for the flora and fauna of Great Salt Lake.
Article by Sarah Woodbury, Janice Gardner, and Sierra Hastings.